Borough of Poole’s free Business Growth Day is a vital part of the business programme that has been created to support the European Maritime Day conference, and the Maritime festival.

Taking place on Wednesday 17th May at the RNLI College in Poole, the Business Growth Day is a free event for marine businesses. It provides support and guidance for those looking to export for the first time, for those seeking to increase exports and for those who want to grow their domestic business.

The event engages 60 regional businesses with presentations and interactive workshops to encourage business growth. It includes information and guidance on exporting, access to finance, innovation vouchers, tax credits, supply chain management and general business support.

Adrian Trevett, Economic Development Manager for the Borough of Poole said: “Dorset and the South West benefits from leading world class marine businesses and strong and diverse supply chains, which is why Poole is looking to maximise the benefits to our local community through hosting the prestigious European Maritime Day conference.

“The Business Growth Day represents a valuable opportunity for our local and regional businesses to meet the experts and find out what support is available to their business. There are only a limited number of places left so we would encourage businesses to sign up as soon as possible.”

Business Growth Day is delivered in partnership with the Department for International Trade and insurance company British Marine, with support from the Dorset Growth Hub and UK Export Finance.

Richard Selby, International Development Manager at British Marine said: “By selling into overseas markets, businesses are less vulnerable to changes in the domestic economy and less dependent on the buying decisions or demand patterns of a small number of local customers.

“British Marine actively encourages and supports its member businesses in their objectives to explore and increase exports and works closely with UK government and other agencies to educate and identify appropriate international opportunities.

“Trading in the global marketplace increases exposure to best practice, ideas and alternative ways of doing business and therefore selling in multiple countries may minimise the risk of low growth in one or more of these countries and result in a balanced portfolio of overall growth.

“Delegates will benefit from a brief overview of the marine sector and the methodology used by British Marine to expose its members to international business opportunities.”

Register for your free place at the Business Growth Day on the website www.emdbusinessgrowthday.eventbrite.co.uk for further information contact Dorset Growth Hub, email info@dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk or phone 03454 586480.

Poole Maritime Festival runs from 15th to 21st May www.poolemaritimefestival.co.uk